tour guide driver salary

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Tour Guide Salary in The United States

The average Tour Guide Salary in The United States is $33,600 per year . Salaries range from $26,900 to $58,700 . The average Tour Guide Hourly Wage is $10.50 per hour . Hourly wages range from $8.40 to $19.43 . Salaries and wages depend on multiple factors including geographic location, experience, seniority, industry, education etc.

What is the Average Annual Salary of Tour Guide in The United States ?

What is the average hourly wage of tour guide in the united states , where do tour guides earn more in the united states , other salaries, create a resume and cover letter in minutes with professional templates.

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Tour guide salary

The average wage for a tour guide in the United States is around $11.32 per hour.

Tour guides earn an average hourly wage of $ 11.32 . Salaries typically start from $ 9.87 per hour and go up to $ 16.54 per hour .

61 % below national average ● Updated in 2018

Tour guide earnings by seniority

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Tour guide salary by state

How do tour guide salaries compare to similar careers.

Tour guides earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than recreation workers but more than receptionists.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)

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What is a tour guide and how to become one

A tour guide is a professional who leads visitors on guided tours of specific destinations or historical/cultural sites. Their duties include researching and planning tours, providing sightseeing advice, and organizing excursions. Tour guides are expected to be experts on the historical background and culture of an area, and they must have strong communication skills and a steel-trap memory. They also need to be enthusiastic, punctual, and equipped with a keen sense. Tour guides may also handle promotional activities through online channels and may be involved in front desk operations or the application processing department of the Admissions office.

How long does it takes to become a tour guide?

It takes about 2 to 3 years to become a tour guide.

Year 1: - Begin an Associate's degree program.

Year 2: - Complete the Associate's degree.

Year 3: - Gain 1 to 2 years of experience in jobs related to tourism or customer service. - Receive on-the-job training for 1 to 3 months.

• Salary $32,323
• Jobs Number 1,043
• Complexity Level Intermediate
• Most Common Skill Local History
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State Alaska

Tour Guide career paths

Tour guides can pursue many career paths, from teaching to management. They can become teachers, consultants, owners, or co-owners. They can also become managers, general managers, or vice presidents. Some tour guides can become account managers, tutor's, or team leaders. They can also become substitute teacher's, resident assistants, or specialists.

Key steps to become a tour guide

Explore tour guide education requirements, most common tour guide degrees.

Bachelor's

High School Diploma

Start to develop specific tour guide skills

Tour guides provide informational tours of breweries, paper manufacturing facilities, and campuses. They also lead mountain bike tours, deliver pitch presentations, and handle promotion of businesses through online channels. Tour guides are trained to provide excellent guest service and ensure that visitors have an experience of a lifetime. They also execute premium customer service, while accommodating guests with positive energy, organization, extensive knowledge, and flexibility.

Complete relevant tour guide training and internships

Gain additional tour guide certifications.

Tour guide certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific tour guide certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for tour guides include First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor and Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP).

Research tour guide duties and responsibilities

Tour guides provide informational tours of breweries, paper manufacturing facilities, or sports and dance complexes. They also entertain guests, provide excellent service, and ensure a memorable experience. They may also lead mountain bike tours, process gift shop inventory, and handle promotion through online channels.

• Manage the canoe landing including guests, workers, and canoe traffic in a way that all run smoothly and safely.
• Aid clients with matters regarding passports and visas.
• Receive multiple positive reviews on the company Facebook page.
• Complete extensive training as well as first aid, CPR and a certification.

Prepare your tour guide resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tour guide resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tour guide resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Tour Guide Resume templates

Apply for tour guide jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a tour guide job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Tour Guide?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average tour guide salary

The average Tour Guide salary in the United States is $32,323 per year or $16 per hour. Tour guide salaries range between $18,000 and $55,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do tour guides rate their job?

Tour guide faqs, what are careers in tourism, what are careers in travel and tourism, search for tour guide jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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What Does a Tour Bus Driver Do?

Find out what a Tour Bus Driver does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Tour Bus Driver.

The Tour Bus Driver plays an essential role in the travel and tourism industry, offering a unique blend of safety, navigation, and hospitality to passengers eager to explore new destinations. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of local attractions, routes, and traffic regulations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all on board. Beyond the operation of the vehicle, these professionals are ambassadors of the travel experience, often providing insightful commentary about the sights and sounds encountered along the way. Their expertise in managing schedules and maintaining a comfortable environment makes them an integral part of creating memorable trips for tourists and travelers alike.

Tour Bus Driver Job Duties

• Safely operate the tour bus along predetermined routes, adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
• Provide informative and engaging commentary about landmarks, historical sites, and local attractions.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure it is in proper working condition.
• Manage the boarding and deboarding of passengers, ensuring a smooth flow and accounting for all individuals.
• Handle ticket sales, reservations, and confirmations for the tour, including processing payments and issuing receipts.
• Coordinate with tour operators or event planners on scheduling, route adjustments, and specific group needs.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness inside the bus throughout the tour to ensure a pleasant environment for passengers.
• Respond to emergencies or unexpected situations, such as medical incidents or vehicle malfunctions, in a calm and efficient manner.

Tour Bus Driver Salary & Outlook

Tour bus driver salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, the type of tours conducted (historical, adventure, etc.), seasonal demand, employer size (independent vs. large tour companies), and customer service skills. Additionally, drivers specializing in niche tours or possessing unique knowledge may command higher wages.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,763 ($17.67/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $61,000 ($29.33/hour)

The employment of tour bus drivers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Increased global tourism, rising interest in local and international travel experiences, and the expansion of tour companies are driving the demand for Tour Bus Drivers. Additionally, the growing popularity of eco-friendly and cultural tours requires skilled drivers familiar with diverse locales, further boosting employment opportunities in this sector.

Tour Bus Driver Job Requirements

Education: A Tour Bus Driver typically holds a High School Diploma, with a focus on subjects that enhance communication and geographical knowledge. Courses in English, geography, and customer service are beneficial, providing foundational skills for interacting with passengers and navigating routes. While specific majors are not required, electives in tourism or hospitality can offer a competitive edge, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded educational background in ensuring both safety and an enjoyable experience for passengers.

Experience: Tour Bus Drivers often enter the field without prior experience, learning through on-the-job training programs. These programs equip them with necessary skills, including safe driving practices, customer service, and route planning. Employers may also provide specific training related to the tour content, enabling drivers to share interesting facts and stories with passengers. Continuous learning and improvement in areas such as communication and emergency response are essential for success in this role.

Certifications & Licenses: Tour Bus Drivers typically require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), often with a Passenger (P) endorsement. Some regions may also mandate a specific Tour Bus Operator license or certification, and a clean driving record is generally essential. Additional certifications, such as First Aid or CPR, can be beneficial but are not universally required.

Tour Bus Driver Skills

Passenger Safety Procedures: Tour bus drivers are tasked with briefing each passenger on emergency exits, safety equipment, and protocols before departure. They must also conduct regular inspections of safety equipment, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and stay informed on the latest safety regulations and training to ensure a secure environment for everyone on board.

Route Planning: Developing efficient and scenic routes that meet time constraints while enhancing the passenger experience requires extensive knowledge of local geography, traffic patterns, and points of interest. Such planning ensures tours are memorable, smooth, and punctual, reflecting positively on the driver’s professionalism and the tour company’s reputation.

Defensive Driving: The ability to safely navigate a large vehicle through various environments demands a heightened awareness of surroundings and the skill to anticipate potential hazards. Tour bus drivers must adjust their driving in response to the actions of other drivers and pedestrians to maintain safety and comfort for passengers.

Customer Service: From the moment passengers board the bus, making them feel welcomed and valued is crucial for an enjoyable tour experience. Addressing concerns or questions attentively enhances overall satisfaction and increases the likelihood of passengers recommending the service.

ADA Compliance: Familiarity with the accommodations and modifications necessary to ensure all passengers, regardless of physical ability, can access and enjoy the tour is essential. Knowledge of lift systems, seating arrangements, and communication aids is required to provide an inclusive experience.

Emergency Response: In unexpected emergencies, tour bus drivers must quickly assess situations and implement safety protocols to ensure passenger well-being. A calm demeanor and clear communication, coordinating with emergency services when necessary, are imperative.

Tour Bus Driver Work Environment

Tour bus drivers operate in a dynamic environment, primarily within the confines of their vehicle, navigating through diverse terrains and cityscapes. Their workspace is the driver’s seat, equipped with standard vehicular controls and often enhanced with GPS and communication devices to stay connected with tour operators and passengers.

The nature of their work dictates irregular hours, with weekends and holidays being peak times for tours. Dress codes can vary, often leaning towards company-branded attire for easy identification by clients. The social aspect of the job is significant, requiring drivers to interact frequently with passengers, providing not just a service but an experience.

Health and safety are paramount, with drivers adhering to strict regulations to ensure everyone’s well-being. Noise levels can fluctuate, especially in bustling city tours or when engaging with passengers. The pace of work is generally steady, punctuated by periods of waiting or downtime between tours.

Travel is inherent to the role, with some positions requiring overnight stays or long-distance travel, impacting work-life balance. Despite the challenges, the role offers a unique opportunity to meet diverse groups of people and explore new locations, making it appealing to those with a love for travel and customer service.

Advancement Prospects

Tour bus drivers can advance their careers by transitioning into roles with higher responsibility and pay, such as becoming a tour operations manager or starting their own tour company. Gaining experience in diverse routes and specializing in niche tours (e.g., historical, adventure) enhances their value and opens up opportunities for leading more exclusive and higher-paying tours.

Building a strong reputation for safety, knowledge, and customer service is crucial. Drivers can leverage this reputation to negotiate better terms or move into luxury tour segments. Additionally, mastering multiple languages can significantly boost a driver’s appeal to international tourists, potentially leading to opportunities with global tour operators.

Progressing in this career often involves a mix of practical experience, customer service excellence, and strategic career moves, such as identifying and specializing in high-demand tour niches.

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Tour guide driver Jobs in All Australia

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• Yulara NT 0872
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• Springfield QLD 4300
• Kununurra WA 6743

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Driver guide.

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• Lead tours through Australia's iconic Red Centre

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• Experience The Kimberley - Work & Travel
• Spend your days outdoors and in nature
• Seasonal Opportunity - Start May 2024

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Eco adventure tour guide.

• Voted Trip Advisor’s Number 1 Experience in Australia, No 6 In the World.
• Work in a variety of activities with expert guides from around the globe.
• Get up close with koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.

This is a Contract/Temp job

• Seasonal Opportunity - Start March 2024

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• Seasonal Contract - ASAP start to October 2024
• Incredible opportunity to work & adventure
• Work for growing company with career growth opportunities

• Cairns' oldest and most popular Daintree tour operator
• Flexible work days
• Attractive salary

• Exciting new product in a new destination!
• Great work life balance
• Permanent position for the right candidate

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• Seasonal opportunity - April/May to September 2024
• Relocate to the amazing Kimberly region.
• Ride the wave of a thriving, diverse Australian owned company.
• Work at a unique heritage site in beautiful national park surrounds
• Create engaging and memorable experiences for students & visitors
• Provide variety of education programs aligned with the NSW Curriculum

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• Work for an iconic Cairns Tourism Company Down Under Tours
• Great team and workplace culture - established team of Drivers
• Showcasing unique and beautiful locations - what a way to spend you day

Tour Drivers & Tour Guides | Outback SA & Lake Eyre | Outback Spirit Tours

• An attractive casual daily rate
• The amazing opportunity to work in a dynamic, growing tourism business
• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences

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